The Centre has asked all states and Union territories to take strict action against the sale of fake and substandard fertilisers
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KOHIMA — Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has directed chief ministers of all states and Union territories to take strict action against the sale of counterfeit and substandard fertilisers to farmers.
In a letter issued on Sunday, the union minister called for a nationwide campaign to ensure the quality of fertilisers, curb black marketing of subsidised products, and eliminate illegal practices such as forced tagging.
Chouhan stressed that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and that farmers must be provided with quality fertilisers at the right time and affordable prices to ensure stable income.
He reminded states that ensuring the availability of fertilisers at the right locations is their responsibility.
“States must strictly monitor and take swift action against black marketing, overpricing, and diversion of subsidised fertilisers,” the letter stated.
He directed states to regularly monitor fertiliser production and sales, and to crack down on counterfeit and substandard products through sampling and testing.
Forced tagging of nano-fertilisers or bio-stimulants with conventional fertilisers must be stopped immediately, he added.
Chouhan also called for strict legal action against violators, including license cancellations, FIR registrations, and effective prosecution to ensure convictions.
To strengthen oversight, he asked states to involve farmers and farmer groups in monitoring and to educate them on identifying genuine and fake products.
“A feedback and information system should be developed to enhance farmer participation,” he stated.
He urged states to launch a dedicated campaign to eliminate fake and substandard agricultural inputs and asserted that regular monitoring would help develop an effective and sustainable solution in the interest of farmers.
Chouhan further noted that the sale of counterfeit or substandard fertilisers is a punishable offense under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, which falls under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.